This article is about Rajat Patidar’s IPL career, covering his journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, key performances, and major milestones in the league.
Rajat Patidar Player Information
- Full Name: Rajat Manohar Patidar
- Born: 1 June 1993, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Role: Right-handed top-order batter; part-time off-spin
- Teams: India, Madhya Pradesh, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Biggest Highlight: First uncapped player to score an IPL playoff century; IPL-winning captain in 2025
Rajat Patidar Player Background, IPL Journey & Playing Traits
Rajat Patidar Early Life & Cricket Beginnings
Rajat Patidar was born in Indore, he started playing cricket at eight, joined a local club, and was enrolled in an academy by his grandfather.
Patidar began as a bowler before shifting his focus to batting at the Under-15 level. His early challenge was convincing his family that cricket could be a long-term career.
IPL Career in Brief
Rajat Patidar joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2021 but managed only 71 runs in four matches and was released.
After going unsold in the 2022 auction, he returned as a mid-season replacement and delivered a historic 112* off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 Eliminator – becoming the first uncapped player to score a playoff century.
He missed IPL 2023 due to an Achilles injury, returned in 2024, and was appointed RCB captain ahead of IPL 2025, leading the franchise to their first-ever IPL title.
Rajat Patidar Playing Style, Strengths & Weaknesses
Rajat Patidar is a technically sound right-handed batter known for his late bat swing, clean timing, and precise placement. Despite his compact build, he generates impressive bat speed and is especially effective against back-of-a-length deliveries.
He blends classical shot-making with modern power-hitting, allowing him to adapt between anchoring an innings and accelerating when required at the top order.
Strengths
- Strong temperament in knockout and high-pressure matches
- Excellent backfoot play against pace
- Calm, clear-headed presence on the field
Weaknesses
- Can take time to settle early in an innings
- Injury history
Leadership & Captaincy Style
Patidar is recognised for his calm, understated leadership style. Rather than being overly vocal, he leads by example and remains composed in high-pressure situations.
He captained Madhya Pradesh in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, guiding the team to the final while finishing among the tournament’s leading run-scorers. His leadership credentials peaked when he was named RCB captain for IPL 2025 and led the franchise to their maiden IPL title.
Rajat Patidar IPL Career Overview & Impact
Season-Wise IPL Performance
- IPL 2021 (RCB): 71 runs in 4 matches; limited opportunities
- IPL 2022 (RCB – Replacement): 333 runs in 8 matches, Avg 55.50, SR 152.75, 1 century
- IPL 2023: Missed season due to Achilles/heel injury
- IPL 2024 (RCB): 395 runs in 13 innings, Avg 30.38, SR 177.13, 5 half-centuries
- IPL 2025: Appointed RCB captain; led the franchise to their maiden IPL title
The Career-Defining Turning Point (IPL 2022)
Before IPL 2022, Rajat Patidar was at a crossroads after going unsold in the mega auction and preparing for his wedding, uncertain about his future in top-level cricket.
Everything changed when RCB signed him as an injury replacement. Within weeks, Patidar delivered a knockout-stage masterclass in the IPL 2022 Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants, completely redefining his career trajectory and establishing himself as a clutch IPL performer.
Most Iconic IPL Knock & Key Records
Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 112 off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 Eliminator remains his defining IPL moment.
Batting in a high-pressure knockout match, he struck 12 fours and 7 sixes to power RCB to 207/4, turning himself from a replacement player into an overnight IPL star.
Key Records & Milestones
- First uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs
- Joint-fastest century in IPL playoff history (49 balls)
- One of RCB’s most impactful playoff performers despite limited seasons
Rajat Patidar Overall Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Metric | Tests | ODIs | T20Is | FC | List A | T20s |
| Mat | 3 | 1 | – | 74 | 67 | 98 |
| Inns | 6 | 1 | – | 126 | 65 | 92 |
| NO | 0 | 0 | – | 7 | 4 | 8 |
| Runs | 63 | 22 | – | 5448 | 2278 | 2888 |
| HS | 32 | 22 | – | 205* | 158 | 112* |
| Ave | 10.50 | 22.00 | – | 45.78 | 37.34 | 34.38 |
| BF | 164 | 16 | – | 9625 | 2297 | 1857 |
| SR | 38.41 | 137.50 | – | 56.60 | 99.17 | 155.51 |
| 100s | 0 | 0 | – | 16 | 4 | 1 |
| 50s | 0 | 0 | – | 27 | 13 | 26 |
| 4s | 9 | 3 | – | 736 | 233 | 216 |
| 6s | 0 | 1 | – | 46 | 53 | 161 |
| Ct | 4 | 0 | – | 105 | 29 | 47 |
| St | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Metric | Tests | ODIs | T20Is | FC | List A | T20s |
| Mat | 3 | 1 | – | 74 | 67 | 98 |
| Inns | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Balls | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Runs | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Wkts | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| BBI | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| BBM | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Ave | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Econ | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| SR | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 4w | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 5w | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 10w | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Rajat Patidar FAQs
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